The San Diego Chargers have filled their quarterbacks coach vacancy by hiring veteran assistant John Ramsdell, who has spent his entire 11-year career in the league with the St. Louis Rams.

Ramsdell, 51, replaces Brian Schottenheimer, the son of Chargers head coach Marty Schottenheimer. The younger Schottenheimer was hired by the New York Jets as their offensive coordinator earlier this week.

During his tenure in St. Louis, Ramsdell worked with quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends. He most recently served as the quarterbacks coach, working closely with former head coach Mike Martz in the development of the passing game.

Had Martz consummated a deal to become the offensive coordinator in Detroit, it is likely that Ramsdell would have joined him on Rod Marinelli's staff. But when talks between the Lions and Martz broke off Thursday, with the two sides unable to reach an agreement on salary, Ramsdell accepted the Chargers' offer.

"Given the circumstances, it was the best thing to do, and I'm excited about the chance to work with Marty and his staff," said Ramsdell, who interviewed Tuesday and Wednesday with Schottenheimer and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron. "It's a great opportunity."

The job could be a critical one, given that San Diego starter Drew Brees is rehabilitating from shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum. Brees is said by Chargers officials to be ahead of schedule in his recovery, but Ramsdell may still be responsible for preparing two-year veteran and former first-round draft choice Philip Rivers to play.

Before joining the Rams' staff, under then-coach Rich Brooks in 1995, Ramsdell worked in the college ranks at San Francisco State (1976-77), Long Beach State (1978), Pacific (1979-82) and Oregon (1983-94).